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The
Kid and the Camp Director: Life Lessons
Learned at Camp
For nearly 150 years, the camp experience
has changed lives. American Camp Association® (ACA)
research evaluated camper and parent responses
to questions regarding camp. And the data
was staggering. Over 90 percent of campers
responded that camp made them feel good
about themselves, introduced them to people
who were different than them, and helped
them make new friends.
So why does the camp equation work? Is
it the perfect balance of education and
fun? In their 2009 May/June Camping
Magazine article, The
Boy in the Boat, Stephen Wallace, chairman
and CEO of SADD, and Ben Seifer, student
and former camper, discuss life lessons
learned at camp from the perspective of
a camp director and a camper. By showing
both perspectives, "The Boy in the
Boat" provides valuable insight into
camp’s success at teaching real-life
skills.
- Self-Reliance
Kids at camp find the resources that
help them meet goals, resolve conflicts,
and succeed. – Stephen Wallace
My counselors showed me the way without
holding my hand. I did a lot of active
learning – trying something the
first time and seeking guidance from
my counselors if I couldn't figure it
out on my own. – Ben Seifer
- Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is gained when campers
find meaningful, fulfilling educational
and social experiences at camp, interpret
those experiences correctly, and have
reasonable, achievable expectations
for success. – Stephen Wallace
It is not important for campers to become
the best at whatever they choose to do,
but it is essential that they feel they've
accomplished something. – Ben
Seifer
- Exploration
Camp is about learning – about
oneself, about others, and about new
ways to approach the world. – Stephen
Wallace
My counselors were always encouraging
me to step outside of my comfort zone
and take risks. I developed trust in
them, and with the entire camp community. – Ben
Seifer
- Responsibility
Beyond the buddies, baseballs, and bonfires
lies the true value of the summer camp
experience: a heightened sense of personal
responsibility for the well-being of
others. – Stephen Wallace
One of many things I learned at camp
is a conscious responsibility to always
be there for others. Away from camp,
I have volunteered as a peer leader,
facilitating discussions about alcohol
and drug use with middle and high school
students and their parents, and I have
joined fellow athletes in performing
community service. – Ben Seifer
For more information on the life lessons
learned at camp, visit www.CampParents.org.
Parents can also receive updates and tips
by following the American Camp Association® (ACA)
on Twitter @ACACampParents.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317
or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson, to interview Stephen
Wallace, or for more information about
the essential camp experience. To view
or download a reprintable version of "The
Boy in the Boat",
visit www.ACAcamps.org/media_center/press/reprint.php.
For customizable public
service announcements, visit our
Media Center at www.ACAcamps.org/media.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
About Stephen Wallace
Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed., author of the new book Reality Gap — Alcohol,
Drugs, and Sex: What Parents Don't Know and Teens Aren't Telling, has broad experience
as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor. He serves as chairman and
CEO of SADD, director of counseling and counselor training at the Cape Cod Sea
Camps, and adjunct professor of psychology at Mount Ida College. For more information
about Stephen's work, visit www.stephengraywallace.com.
About Ben Seifer
Ben Seifer recently graduated from Newton South High School (MA) where he was
a scholar, athlete, and newspaper columnist and editor. Among his many accomplishments,
he served as captain of the varsity Alpine Ski Team, a peer educator, and
community-service volunteer. In August 2008, Ben completed the Cape Cod Sea
Camps' Counselor Training Program and received the Service Cup for his integrity
and selfless contributions to the welfare of others. Ben will be attending
The George Washington University in the fall.
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